Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B): Overview and Review of Evidence
Abstract
Introduction
Rationale for Development of Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B)
Overview of Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B)
Domain | IPT | IPT-B |
---|---|---|
Number of Sessions | 12–16 sessions | 8 sessions |
Initial Phase of Therapy | 3 sessions | 2 sessions |
Middle Phase | 7 to 11 sessions | 5 sessions |
Termination Phase | 2 to 3 sessions | 1 session |
Frequency and Duration of Sessions | Weekly, 45 to 60 minutes | Weekly, 45–60 minutes |
Interpersonal Inventory | Yes | Yes, but constricted, focusing on current relationships primarily |
Interpersonal Problem Areas | Grief Role Dispute Role Transition Interpersonal Deficits | Grief Role Dispute Role Transition |
Interpersonal homework assignments | Not formally—although patients are expected to make interpersonal changes between sessions | Yes—patients are formally requested to carry out assignments between sessions |
Behavioral Activation | Not specifically, if implicit | Patients are routinely and explicitly encouraged to participate in previously enjoyable activities (i.e., hobbies or participating in church activities)—even before starting work on the IPT problem area |
Time as Leverage | Yes | Yes - even more so |
Initial Phase Modifications
Increased Patient Responsibility and Activation
Rapid Termination Phase
IPT-B Therapist Training
Summary of Engagement Session
Review of Efficacy Data
Author and Year | Sample Characteristics | Study Design | Outcome | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Swartz et al., 2004 | Women; MDD | IPT-B (n=16) v. sertraline (n=16); matched case control | Significant time by group interaction favoring IPT-B (F=4.76, df=1, 161, p=.03) | |
Swartz et al., 2006 | Mothers of psychiatrically ill children age 12-18; HRSD ≥15; MDD | Open study of IPT-B (n=13) | Mean improvement on HRSD =11.3 (±10.4); Cohen’s d=1.09 | Single engagement session was provided prior to IPT-B |
Swartz et al., 2008 | Mothers of psychiatrically ill children age 6-18; HRSD ≥15; MDD | IPT-B (n=26) v. treatment as usual (n=21); RCT | At 3- and 9-month follow-up, HRSD, BDI, and GAF scores were significantly lower in IPT-B group. Compared to the offspring of mothers receiving TAU, offspring of mothers assigned to IPT-B had significantly lower CDI scores at 9-month follow-up (for all, p < 0.05) | Single engagement session was provided prior to IPT-B; “Parenting an ill child” was included as a new IPT-B treatment focus |
Grote et al., 2004 | Pregnant women 12 to 28 weeks gestation; EPDS10 | Open study of IPT-B (n=12) | At post-treatment before the birth and at 6 months postpartum, EPDS scores were significantly less than at baseline (effect sizes=1.2; 0.8). | A single engagement session was provided prior to acute IPT-B and IPT maintenance was provided up to 6 months postpartum. |
Grote et al., 2009 | Pregnant women 10-32 weeks gestation; EPDS score > 12 | IPT-B (n=25) vs. enhanced usual care (UC = 28); RCT | At post-treatment and at 6 months postpartum, the IPT-B group, compared to the UC group, showed significant reductions in depression diagnoses (effect sizes=.96; 1.22) and depressive symptoms (effect sizes = .71; .89). | A single engagement session was provided prior to acute IPT-B and IPT maintenance was provided up to 6 months postpartum. |
Poleshuck et al., 2010 | Women; MDD; chronic pelvic pain | Open study of IPT-B adapted for treatment of co-occurring depression and chronic pain (IPT-P; n = 17) | Over 36 weeks, HRSD Cohen’s d = 1.57 and SAS-SR Cohen’s d = 0.96; no significant change in Multidimensional Pain Inventory pain interference scores | Up to 36 weeks to complete 8 sessions; 2 telephone sessions permitted in lieu of face-to-face sessions; additional focus on pain management |
Brandon et al., 2012 | Perinatal women (> 12 weeks gestational age and < 12 weeks postpartum) with MDD and their partners | Open study of Partner Assisted IPT (PA-IPT; n= 10) | 9/10 women had HRSD scores < 9 at the end of acute treatment; Weekly EPDS ratings had main effect for session and person (for both, p < 0.05). | Up to 12 weeks to complete 8 sessions; partner included in every session; incorporates aspects of Emotion Focused Couples Therapy |
Graham 2006 | Patients in primary care; clinical diagnosis of MDD | IPT-B (n = 26) v. WLC (n = 23); RCT | At 2 months, assignment to IPT-B was associated with significantly greater reductions in symptoms of depression as measured by a HRSD (p < 0.01) and BDI (p < 0.01). | Investigators used the Scotland version of IPT-B which limited follow-up time to 10 weeks |
IPT-B for Depressed Mothers of Children with Psychiatric Illness
IPT-B for Perinatal Depression
Other Adaptations of IPT-B and Related Brief Treatments
Discussion
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